Cameron's Staff Pick

Top Rated

Wake Up Sleepy Buddha: The Buddhist Path in Practice

Name: Wake Up Sleepy Buddha: The Buddhist Path in Practice
Start: 2027-02-04
End: 2027-02-07
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.86

4.86100 reviews

Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

February 4 - 7, 2027

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Noel

Details of this retreat

This retreat introduces core Buddhist practices beyond mindfulness in a way that is accessible, experiential, and rooted in traditional wisdom. It is welcome to both newer meditators and those with an established practiced who are looking for a clear orientation or refresher.

The retreat offers a grounded, experiential introduction to the broader Buddhist path, emphasizing direct practice, integration into daily life, and trust in our innate capacity for awareness and compassion - our buddha nature. Rather than focusing on doctrine, scholarship, or religious identity, the teaching remain rooted in traditional sources while meeting the realities of contemporary life.

Participants will explore a survey of integrated practices drawn from across the Buddhist spectrum, including contemplation, concentration, compassion, and insight. These practices are presented in contemporary language while honoring their traditional roots and interrelationship.

This retreat offers a clear, grounded bridge between introductory mindfulness and the living heart of Buddhist practice.

This retreat is well-suited for meditators, therapists, helpers, and anyone seeking depth without dogma, and a clear bridge between mindfulness and the living heart of Buddhist practice.

Schedule:

Thursday, February 4

3 - 6 pm Arrival & Check In
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Welcome Session -Brief overview of Buddhist Path

Motivation/Intention & Precious Opportunity Contemplations
Discussion and direct practice
Dedication of Merit discussion

Friday, February 5

7 - 7:30 am Optional Early Practice Session: Introduction to Tsa Lung Trulkhor (optional morning practice)
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am -12 pm - Morning Session: Elaborate overview of Buddhist Path and Practices

Introduction of Refuge, Generating Bodhicitta
Introduce concept of Unconditional Love via cross section of Modern Attachment

12:30 -1:30 pm Lunch
2 - 5:30 pm - Afternoon Session: Basic Mindfulness

Advances Concentration through the Stages of Asanga’s Elephant Path

6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm - Evening Session: Introduction of Tantric Visualization Practices

Introduction of Guru Yoga & direct practice

Saturday, February 6

7 - 7:30 am Optional Early Practice Session: Tsa Lung Trulkhor Practice Session (optional morning practice)
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am -12 pm - Morning Session: Introduction of Emptiness/Insight Practices

Contemplations Meditations
Emptiness of Self Direct Investigation Practice
Revisit Mindfulness

12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2 - 5:30 pm - Afternoon Session: Emptiness of Thought

Emptiness of Sensory Experiences
Emptiness of Emotional Experiences
Practicing Mindfulness with the Field of Awareness itself as the object)
All phenomena as empty practice

6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm - Evening Session: Revisit afternoon insight practices

Sunday, February 7

7 - 7:30 am Optional Early Practice Session

Tsa Lung Trulkhor Practice Session (optional morning practice)

7 - 11 am Check out of rooms
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am -12 pm - Closing Session: Review of program

Bringing all practices together
Program closing

12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Getting Here

Menla, Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

Accommodation

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Economy Single - Shared Bath

Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others

Economy Quad - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Quad Room with Quad Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals. High speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a quad shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others.

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

Nancy • Oct 16, 2026

5.0

Verified

Seeking a REAL retreat - this is for you!

I attended Menla in early October for a Holotropic Breathwork workshop. It is nestled in the Catskill Mountains in NY, so serene, quiet, safe, and the food was INCREDIBLE, and so healthy & delicious. It never felt like anyone was around (unlike other retreats I have been to). If you are looking to unwind, just be with yourself and eat healthy, delicious food - Menla is the place to be! Highly, highly recommended!

Marcello • Oct 15, 2026

5.0

Verified

Unforgettable Experience of the Soul

I've wanted to visit Menla for many years, and have followed the work and incredible life of Robert Thurman for some years. The Kundalini Yoga Immersion with Jai Dev, somehow connected all of the dots so that even without the physical presence of Tenzin Bob, his rainbow body was felt in the rooms, the valleys and natural environments. The meals were an amazing complement to the comfortable rooms, the breath taking setting that all supported completely and fully amplified the journey.

One Note, that is just a personal suggestion and not to be seen as a criticism or judgment in any way. It would be nice to feel a presence of the great history, tradition, and culture of Menla, the Tibet House and the entire amazing project connected to the life work of Robert Thurman and his lifelong dedication exploring, educating and sharing the beauty of the Tibetan culture in all its facets. The stories of the Naga and Dalai Lama, the historical evolution of the area are all such unique elements that create the wonderful base of energy that permeates the experience of being there. The walks along the paths, discovering improvised shrines all create a magical experience that would be only honored by a bit more of a historical / cultural backdrop for visitors that may or may not know the deep importance of the work behind it all.

Thank you once again and can't wait to visit next year!!

catherine • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

Life Force Academy Kundalini Yoga 5 day Immersion

I attended my first retreat at Menla about 6 years ago and was immediately hooked by the energy and beauty of the grounds. This is a very unique experience as in addition to the retreat content there is also an opportunity to explore the grounds, experience the very well curated art works throughout the grounds, set off on well marked hiking areas and have a glorious treatment at a world class spa that is beautifully designed.
The pacing of all of the programming lends itself to allow for in depth class experiences, time for rest, hiking, socializing, and enough time for meals which are prepared with love and care with the freshest ingredients and interesting choices.
The LFA Kundalini retreat was excellent and inspiring in content and delivery. Jai Dev is a master in his work designing material that is relevant to all levels of practitioners. The addition of live music was the icing on the cake.
I look forward to my next visit.

Jordan • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

So much fun coming from hard work

It’s ironic that in order to relax, we need to generate Physical pressure on the nervous system. I love how the tools of Kundalini Yoga facilitate this outcome. But Life force academy, takes it all to another level with the mastery of Jai Dev and the music of Simrit.
I have participated in over 1000 Kundalini Yoga sessions over the last three or four years and two of the classes offered at this retreat are in the top 1% of the peak experiences I’ve ever had.

Gloria • Oct 08, 2026

5.0

Verified

A Great Retreat Experience

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The grounds are so tranquil and beautiful and the facilities were very clean. My only suggestion for improvement is to provide a more private dressing area after taking a shower.
Many of the attendees I spoke with felt the same way. Thank you!

Wake Up Sleepy Buddha: The Buddhist Path in Practice

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Noel Coakley

Details of this retreat

Getting Here